HARMONY RINGERS
OF OHIO
Our music
If you have never heard a handbell choir before you may ask " What kind of music does a bell choir play?" Well - you name it - we probably have or can play it. Although bell choirs are generally associated with sacred music and churches, the repertoire of contemporary handbell choirs is vast and varied.
Our concerts are beautiful to listen to as well as fun to experience. We try to include something that will appeal to almost everyone.
Some pieces we have played include:
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Familar Christmas Carols
Sousa's Washington Post March
"Rhythmic Rip" - handbells STOMP!
Just a Closer Walk
"Rolling in the Deep" - an Adele song
Copacabana
The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Crocodile Rock - an Elton John song
and many more.
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Listen to
"America the Beautiful"
with Mark Thewes on organ and Sandy Simpson on Piano
Listen to & watch us on YouTube.
Meet The Ringers
Andy Bennett
My journey with ringing started in summer of 2022 when I was asked to be a part of Harmony Ringers. My excitement was through the roof since I was asked to ring! My other musical ventures include singing tenor in A Chorus for a Cause, as well as singing tenor previously with the Canton Symphony Chorus and The Ohio State University Mens Glee Club. Music has always been a huge part of my life and I now attend University of Mount Union as a music major.
Sue Costello
I have been playing handbells off and on since I was 11 years old. I have been a member of advanced ensembles such as The Youth Bells of Akron and Renaissance Ringers. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Kent State University and a Master's degree in Music Composition from The University of Akron.
Charlene Dombrowski
I have been playing handbells for over 35 years. For the first 20 years I played with various choirs as an Air Force spouse stationed throughout the United States. In addition to Harmony Ringers, I am a substitute ringer at St Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church, North Canton Community Church and John Knox Presbyteran Church. I also enjoy playing the flute. I have been married for over 40 years and have 2 adult children and 6 grandkids.
Marie Downey
I started ringing with Harmony Ringers 11 years ago and find it very enjoyable! I teach private piano lessons, am a member of A Chorus For A Cause and have sung with various local choirs. I earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Kent State University
where I majored in piano and minored in voice. I also have a Master’s Degree in School Counseling from the University of Akron. I recently retired from my position as a church choir director and am also a retired school counselor; have two adult children and eight
grandchildren.
Juanita Finley
I have been ringing handbells for 20+ years, beginning at church with my sons when they were in elementary school. I am employed full time as an Accountant, am the mother of 2 adult children and a proud grandma. I enjoy playing the treble bells and the challenge my position offers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, baking, walking, sporting events and spending time with my family.
Kathryn Gerber
I am very excited to be playing with Harmony Ringers. I have been playing handbells for about 11 years. I enjoy making music with handbells along with many other instruments. I also enjoy being in the audience listening and watching many different genres of music. Besides enjoying the arts, I enjoy being working outside in my flower beds and spending time with my family.
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Ann Hartong
I've been ringing handbells for 30+ years at Greensburg United Methodist Church in the city of Green and I have been in Harmony Ringers since its beginning in 2010. I am the mother of 4 adult children, 7 grandchildren and I'm the bookkeeper of the dairy farm on which my husband Denny and I live. I am also active in vocal choir at church and enjoy reading, knitting and a competitive round of golf.
Caitlyn James
My bell journey started when I was 9 years old and is still going strong. I’ve played all of the positions over the years but my favorite is playing in the upper bells! They give me just enough of a healthy challenge to keep me on my toes. Outside of bell ringing, I enjoy my job as an intervention specialist for Stark county schools, cuddling my cats, and spending time with my husband and our baby girl, Amelia.
Michael LaMantia
I started with Harmony Ringers Fall of 2015 wanting a challenge. I've been playing in handbell choirs since the age of 9, when I started ringing in a church group led by the woman who would become my mother-in-law some years later. Since then, I have actively performed in several church choirs in northeast Ohio, almost continually for over 30 years. When I am not playing handbells, I fill my days working in IT at a large Akron manufacturing company. My nights and weekends are spent with my wife and 3 children, doing home improvement projects, camping, and spending time with extended family. "
Paula Neff
After attending my first Harmony Ringers concert in 2014, I knew I could become hooked on handbells. I’d never experienced such a delightful show! So beginning in 2015 I joined this spectacular group and have worked very hard to improve. Now I belong to four bell choirs and look forward to every rehearsal. Music is good for the soul and handbells are good for the heart! Come to a concert and see why.
Laurie Spangler
I have been playing bells over 15 years at Church of the Lakes United Methodist. I am a 6th grade teacher in the Plain Local School system. My husband and I have two children and enjoy going camping all together.
Makenzie Wilson
I have played bells on and off in various positions since I was 12 years old. I learned to read music by playing bells so they will always have a special place in my heart. I have participated in various bell and vocal choirs through the years and am looking forward to the challenge presented by Harmony Ringers. I hold a degree in Petroleum Engineering and enjoy reading, playing through my collection of board and card games, and baking.
Karen Henke Zotta
I have been ringing handbells off and on for many years at Church of the Savior/Crossroads United Methodist, and now with Harmony Ringers. I also sing with my church choir, A Chorus for a Cause , and the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Chorus. I recently retired after working over 40 yrs as a medical technologist with Doctors Hospital/Affinity Medical Center, having started working there right out of high school. I am married to Cornel, a violinist and private teacher, and we have 1 daughter, Anna.